Darren Maule’s 10 rules for driving in the rain
Heavy rains are putting a damper on things this festive season, but your safety on the roads is a priority. Here are Darren Maule's tips for driving in the rain.
If we could all stay at home when it pours, we would. But we have responsibilities and one of them requires us to drive on wet roads to get to and from our destinations. To help you to get from point A to point B safely, Darren has put together a quick list of things to remember when driving in the rain.
Read the list below:
1. Wait Until the Weather Improves before driving.
(It is better to arrive late and alive than dead on time)
2. Double Check Your Car’s Equipment.
(Have you ever done this even once since you bought your car?)
3. Slow Down.
(#QuickMaths p=mv >> Mass X Velocity = Momentum. You can’t reduce the mass of your car, but you can reduce the velocity)
4. Turn on Your Headlights.
(Let Eskom Do the load shedding - leave your car lights on)
5. Use Your Windscreen Wipers.
(They are those thin black things resting on your windscreen - they are activated by the stick that comes out of your steering column, on the opposite side of the indicators… oh, wait, carry on)
6. Maintain a Safe Following Distance.
(Leave some space for the Holy Ghost - and the Holy Ghost drives an eighteen wheeled reticulated abnormal vehicle)
7. Avoid Heavy Braking.
(It’s not the speed that is the problem in the rain, it's trying to stop suddenly that gets you EVERY TIME)
8. Watch Out for Standing Water.
(It’s the shiny stuff on the road where the black stuff would usually be)
9. DO NOT BRAKE When Hydroplaning.
(You can’t steer a car that is moving sideways)
10. Ventilate Your Car.
(If your car feels like you just climbed out of the shower, open your windows slightly)